Night rides

[vova]

Anyone ever night ride? I did last week and it was a last. Rode 8:30PM to 11PM. Rode a tril I've been riding for years and it was totally new.

Going to order a new light this week...

[The Joker]

Im guessing the "last" was suppose to be "blast". And I agree night rides are just like night skiing takes the ole familiar trail and gives it a great new twist. If you wanna have some stupid fun find a tight twisty trail something slow and very technical. Now find 4-5 mentally challenge mountain bikers (not really a challenge I know) and ride that trail only the guy in front and the guy in back get lights. There will be plenty of carnage sorta in slap stick style, usually the second or third guy goes down but no one can see them.

Me and 4 buddies did this one night mind you after a few beers and never laughed so hard in our lives. We were all going riding the next day but decided to go for a night ride. The two guys that lived at the house we all went to meet up at were the only two that had lights. That is how we got into the situation but it was a blast to go out and ride like that.

For an actual ride I would suggest at least a couple of lights headlight and some sort of bike mounted as well.

[mikecj5cj8]

I've done several rides up here in Redding at night. The scariest was when I saw a mountain lion right at dusk as I was heading out. I ended up riding past where it jumped off the fire road. By the time I rode back it was pitch black and I could only go about 6mph up a 1.5 mile hill. I felt like easy pickin's at that point. I wear a 10 watt head lamp and have a 15 watt headlight on my bike. I ride a 6.7 mile fire road out and back if I'm by myself at least once a week in the winter. End up doing four 1+ mile climbs on that route.

[Harry Johnson]

What kind of lights do you guys use? I want to start night riding, but dont want to have to blow a million dollars on a bike light. Any decent budget lights anyone can recomend?

[frwinks]

you only need one light.... helmet mounted HID nitrider storm... I've had mine for over a year now, frequent use, no problems, close to 4hrs of burn time:smokin: Jensonusa has them on for under 3bills right now...

[vova]

I am getting a Jet helmet light. I think it is $269 shipped. Look on MTBR.com
I found it there. Has really good reviews...

[MellowYellow]

I do early morning rides before work. We climb in the dark and it is light by the time we head down. It's not quite the same, but you still need a little light. Vova, I'd be interested to hear how you like your light.

[rockalot]

Yes night riding is great.
We will ride our local trail that we're board with and at night its a whole new trail, specially when you try to ride it like you know it!

If you had to choose between a helmet mounted light and bar mounted get the helmet light as its great for fixing mechanicals in the dark. The only thing I don't like about helmet mounted is that you have to be careful not to blind your buds when talking at them.

[vova]

Here is what i'm getting... $256.95

JetLites Phantom Single Beam w/Smartswitch and Fuel Gauge PHNH38SB
Phantom 3800 NiMH Canister battery, single beam 12w or 20w halogen lamp, aim as ride mount. Available in standard, switched or switched w/ gauge configurations.




Product Options

Bulb
12W 20W

Configuration
w/ Smartswitch and Fuel Gauge



Detailed Description
12W ideal for most off road conditions or commuting. For more technical rocky terrain you may want to consider a 20W lamp. 20W ideal for all off road conditions. 115 degree Aim-as-you-ride helmet mount with safety breakaway. Battery storage ideally suited for water hydration pack.
Options Include: 3 light level smart switching light head and 5 level fuel gauge on battery.

12W or 20W Brilliant halogen lamp
65 grams, (2.3 oz.)
2.75" x 1.70" x 1.85"
Beam pattern: 30ft x 300ft at 12W, 50ft x 150ft at 20W

Battery: 13.2V NiMH water bottle battery pack
675 grams (23.8 oz.)
Built in 5 LED Fuel Gauge (Fuel Gauge Model).

Charger: Intelligent 5 hr fast charger
Run Time:
Standard Model:
12W 3hr, 20mins
20W 2hr, 0mins

Switched Modeles:
12W Bulb
- 8W 6hrs, 5mins
- 10W 4hrs
- 12W 3hr, 20mins
20W Bulb
- 10W 4hrs
- 15W 2hr, 55mins
- 20W 2hr, 0mins

Weight Complete system weight 855 grams (31 oz)